Richard "Ossie" Osborne is chaired off the SCG after playing his last match, against the Sydney Swans, Round 22, 1998. Ossie will make his comeback in the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match, Vung Tau. Photo: AFL Photos.

AFL Star, Richard “Ossie” Osborne has confirmed that he will come out of retirement to play in the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match in Vung Tau – thanks to the generous support of Club Sponsors, Jim Beam and Pest Free. The Caravelle Hotel has also supported generously.

Ossie said, “The two biggest highlights of my 17 year AFL career were playing in the 1997 and 1998 ANZAC Day games at the MCG in front of 90,000 + screaming fans.

“To be invited to play in the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match between the Vietnam Swans and the Hong Kong Dragons, gives me the opportunity to pay my respects to all who served in the Vietnam War.

“The fact that the game will be played on the same oval that the diggers played on in the late 60s/early 70s adds even greater significance to this special event.”

Swannies’ Club President, Phil Johns said, “Last year, we spoke about the symbolism of 100,000 people at Melbourne’s MCG on ANZAC Day and being able to hear a pin drop during the minute’s silence. To be a part of this experience is amazing.

“In Vung Tau this year, we won’t have 100,000 – but we will still have over 1,000 people. Compared with the MCG, it is easy to be swept along into thinking that this is just a small event. However, now pause and reflect. In terms of the significance of living history, playing on the same soil as those Australian sons from that era – and at least two of whom will be in attendance (Ron Vernon and Dick Johnston), the Vung Tau ANZAC Friendship Match is every bit as big as the MCG.

“This year, we will have someone who has played in both MCG and Vung Tau ANZAC commemorative matches. Ossie will bring a unique and valuable perspective to the occasion.

“Together with the Veterans and others who are trying to gain a sense of understanding, it will be a powerful, memorable, moving – and good fun – match and weekend.”

Details of Ossie’s game time are still to be confirmed by the Swans and Hong Kong Dragons but Dragons’ President, Robbie Burns simply said, “Let’s get Ossie up and we can work out the details later!”

Richard “Ossie” Osborne was born in 1964 and played a total of 283 games, over 17 seasons, for four different clubs: Fitzroy (187 games), Sydney (16 games), Footscray (51 games) and Collingwood (29 games).